Pursuing a medical education in your home country is the preference for most medical school applicantsin the U.S. and Canada, however it may not be feasible for all. This is because medical schools in the U.S. and Canada have limited seats while the demand far outpaces the supply. Even with all the required qualifications, applicants still face rejection. While it can be challenging for students to complete their medical education in the U.S. and Canada, Caribbean medical schools offeropportunities for those aspiring to earn an MD degree and practice medicine in the U.S. and Canada.
There are approximately 60 medical schools in the Caribbean. So, it is important to carry out thorough research to find the right medical school that ticks all your boxes. When choosing the best Caribbean medical school, consider these six things in 2022.
Accreditations and approvals
While choosing the right medical school, students need to check for the list of approvals, licenses, and accreditations from international bodies to determine their chances of pursuing a career in the U.S. or Canada. Top Caribbean medical schools have accreditations from the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), the medical boards of California and Florida, and the New York State Education Department(NYSED).
Level of student support and opportunities
Medical school is the time for professional growth for future doctors. Because of the intensity and amount of information consumed during medical school, class size is one factor that can impact the support required to succeed. Leading medical schools in the Caribbean often have a low student-teacher ratio that allows direct interaction with the faculty and facilitates the building of strong relationships between students that offers a strong support system.
Residency placement
Pursuing a medical career consists of many stepsbefore earning a license to practice medicine. The residency program often marks the end of a medical student’s academic journey. During the residency program, medical students are trained in their selected specialty. Therefore, this becomes an important factor in choosing a medical school that is best suited to your professional career.
USMLE Step 1 exam first time pass rate
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1exam first timepass rate is an important consideration in selecting a medical school. This examination is taken after the basic sciences program, which is also an essential metric contributing to the success of a medical career. The USMLE Step 1 exam can be a stepping-stone towards earning a residency placement in the specialty of your choice. Therefore, medical students must ensure that the medical school takes all the necessary steps to prepare its students for the exam.
Affiliated hospitals
Clinical training during medical school can play a fundamental role during residency. That’s why it is important to look for a medical school that has extensive relationships with ACGME-approved hospitals throughout the U.S. and university-affiliated hospitals across Canada.
Federal loan
A medical school is a significant investment and having access to federal loans is a top priority for students. The top Caribbean medical schools offer a range of public and private loan options to help students finance their medical education.
Before committing to a medical school, you must weigh up your options carefully and consider all these factors to make a well-informed decision for your career. Becoming an MD is a challenge, that’s why it is important to opt for the best medical school to learn from experienced faculty.
